Officials say combined sewer overflow dumps are ‘fully treated’
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — Oakland County officials have pushed back against accusations that the county has been dumping untreated sewage into the Clinton River and, ultimately, into Lake St. Clair.
Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash provided a rebuttal of claims made by officials in Macomb County at a press conference at the George W. Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin on Sept. 18. Nash called the facility “state of the art” and said it meets all the requirements from the state. He said claims made against it by officials in Macomb County and, most recently, Clinton Township, were false.
“It’s important to understand water quality issues in Macomb County are longstanding and they’re not caused by this facility,” Nash said. “We follow all environmental laws, especially the Clean Water Act, and work closely with
Oakland County pushes back over Red Run dumping
INDUSTRIAL PARK IMPROVEMENTS
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
FRASER — The bumpy network of roads in the Fraser Industrial Park moved
closer to smoothing out at the Fraser City Council’s Sept. 12 meeting.
The city cautiously offered to support $3.5 million in funding toward the project, though this amount may change as the proj-
ect moves along. The plan includes the city working with business owners in the industrial park on the project. The supported funding was unanimously approved. Councilwoman Amy Baranski was not present at the meeting.
“The point of this is to give the city administration something to work with in the planning process,” Fraser City Attorney Donald DeNault said.
Sheriff Anthony Wickersham
Photo by Nick Powers Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair Board David Woodward, left, and Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash address questions about the George W. Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin on Sept. 18.
See RED RUN on page 28A
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CLINTON TOWNSHIP — It’s been 23 years since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2011. Clinton Township hasn’t forgotten.
On the anniversary, those lost on that day were remembered at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. The ceremony is part of Patriot Day, com-
memorated and observed nationally by putting flags at half-staff.
Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon said the event ensures that what happened in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001, is not forgotten.
“Remembering also gives us an excellent opportunity to teach,” Cannon said. “The events,
See SEPT. 11 on page 12A
Andiamo Pasta & Chops opens its doors
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Andiamo Pasta & Chops held its grand opening on Sept. 12 at The Mall at Partridge Creek. Blendi Suvaria, co-owner of Andiamo Pasta & Chops, said he felt “very good” about the restaurant opening its doors. Suvaria has been with the company for 25 years, starting as a busser and working his way up to his current post.
See ANDIAMO on page 15A
Photo by Nick Powers
Vietnam Veterans of America 154 Assistant Chaplain Mike Schneider delivers the invocation at Patriot Day observance on Sept. 11 at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township.
Photo by Nick Powers
Andiamo Pasta & Chops, located at The Mall at Partridge Creek, held its grand opening Sept. 12.
City OKs study to address abandoned pump station
FRASER — Ever wonder about that shed near the Dairy Maid? It’s the abandoned Linden Pump Station and it’s set to get a study by the city’s engineering firm.
The study follows flooding in the area in 2018. The Fraser City Council unanimously approved a $30,500 engineering study with the engineering firm Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc. at the council’s Sept.12 meeting. The city manager can approve up to $7,500 for field services needed for the study.
The pump station utilized sewers running underneath houses in the area, according to AEW Vice President and Director of Engineering Mike Vigneron.
“Did these people not have basements? How could they not know they had sewer lines under their homes?” Councilwoman Patrice Schornak said.
Vigneron said in most cases the houses impacted do not have basements.
“The sewer’s relatively deep,” Vigneron said. “I believe they’re all on slab or crawl spaces.”
The likely option, according to Vigneron, is to replace the sewers and hook up the lines to nearby sewers.
He said once the study is complete, the project would go before the City Council to determine a potential funding plan.
Lesich said, with agreement from Vigneron, that if the problem isn’t addressed it could potentially lead to a sinkhole.
“These are some of the oldest parts of our city,” Lesich said. “A lot of these sewers were put back in in the 40s or the 30s before anybody thought about building houses there or building apartments or other things. It just kind of got paved over.”
— Nick Powers
Clinton Township gets ‘clean’ audit, taxation questioned
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Though an audit of Clinton Township’s finances came back with no irregularities, it didn’t stop the discussion about where the township’s money goes.
Plante Moran came to break down the results of the 2024 audit at the Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 9. The firm looks at the township’s financial statements and compliance with federally funded grant programs. Ali Hijazi, a partner at Plante Moran, said the township’s audit was “clean.” This means the township complied with federal program requirements, accounting requirements and grant money administration requirements for the audit.
“That’s what you want to see as the outcome of your audit,” Hijazi said.
Plante Moran Assurance Manager Veronica Tuazon went over key points in the firm’s presentation. Many of the changes to the township’s general fund from 2023 to 2024 have to do with American Rescue Plan Act funds, which are federal funds for COVID-19 relief. This led to a decrease in the general fund from $36,739,000 to $25,310,000. General fund expenditures
from 2023 to 2024 jumped due to an increase in transfers because of the accumulated ARPA funds being moved into a capital projects fund.
The general fund balance is expected to be steady in future years. Clinton Township Treasurer Paul Gieleghem said in the past there would be significant fluctuations.
Finance Director Mary Hein said there were meetings to remove discretionary items and remove positions that had been left vacant and didn’t need to be filled. Fees were raised for the township’s senior center, parks and recreation and building department. Grant funding also increased.
Trustee Julie Matuzak asked if an audit would turn up any malfeasance. She cited the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, which had clean audits, but reportedly had missing funds over multiple decades. She stressed that this was a general question and wasn’t directed at anyone.
“We’ve just seen the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy missing $40 million over 10 years with clean audit reports every year,” Matuzak said. “Can you please explain to me how this happens and how we’re not in this situation?”
“An audit is not designed to detect
SMART AIMS TO IMPROVE EXISTING SERVICE
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation is looking to improve service on its routes.
At the Clinton Township Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 9, marketing consultant Janai Williams Smith and SMART Vice President of Planning and Innovation Harmony Lloyd gave a presentation to inform the board and public about the proposed changes. The two laid out two scenarios for community members to give input on. The first scenario would provide increased frequency, and the second would increase coverage.
The first scenario would increase reliability and provide more service on the weekends, according to SMART’s presentation. Improvements outlined in the presentation include five “fast” routes, 11 routes every 30 minutes and 25 routes every 60 minutes. The scenario offers five new routes and four new “flex zones” for customers. Flex zones are areas where roundtrip pickups are possible with a separate, smaller bus for
things like doctor’s appointments.
“People want the service to get them there quickly, they want to know when it’s coming and they want it to operate more hours and more days of the week than maybe it does currently,” Smith said.
The second scenario offers up five “fast” routes, three routes every 30 minutes and 37 routes every 60 minutes. The 60-minute routes would have expanded hours, including weekends. The presentation states that the scenario would make schedules more predictable. It would add 11 new routes and five new flex zones.
“This is looking at areas that are underserved or completely unserved by transit,” Smith said during the presentation.
Smith said the process will include community input about what works in each scenario. SMART will then create a hybrid proposal that is expected to be finalized by spring 2025.
The changes are part of the SMARTer Mobility Program. The program, which started in 2023, studies possible improvements to the service. This was, in part, spurred by Oakland County’s increased SMART millage.
Clinton Township Clerk Kim Meltzer questioned if there would be any impact from the proposed changes for Clinton Township residents. She also asked if the residents would be footing the bill for the changes even if they wouldn’t benefit.
“We’re not asking for an increase or anything like that,” Lloyd said. “This is, as Janai mentioned, financially constrained. We are planning these changes to operate within the current funds that we have and what we have projected for budgets in coming years.”
Lloyd went on to explain that this is why there aren’t any major changes, just improvements to routes.
“You hear around here about how metro Detroit has a terrible public transit system,” Lloyd said. “We’re really working hard. This is about trying to make those changes within the reality of our budget, so people do feel like they do have an effective system they can use.”
At the meeting, resident Sam Buschell questioned whether SMART works with the Macomb County Department of Roads to make sure bus stops are safe and accessible to residents. He mentioned that a stop near
15 Mile and Kelly roads is especially treacherous.
Lloyd said that SMART is aiming to do a bus stop inventory in the future to assess See SMART on page 26A
Screenshot taken from Clinton Township Board of Trustees meeting broadcast
Marketing consultant Janai Williams Smith and SMART Vice President of Planning and Innovation Harmony Lloyd gave a presentation on the SMARTer Mobility Program at the Clinton Township Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 9.
NEWS & NOTES
Goodfellows to hold pasta dinner
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton Township Goodfellows are set to have their pasta dinner from 3-8 p.m. Oct. 9 at Mirage Banquet Center, 16980 18 Mile Road, Clinton Township.
The event supports the organization’s mission of “No Child Without a Christmas.” The dinner will include pasta with meat sauce, rotini primavera, salad, rolls and butter. Beverages available include soft drinks and coffee. There will be cake for dessert.
Admission for the dinner is $14 for anyone over 10 years old and $7 for kids 6-10. Children under 6 get in for free. Raffle baskets, 50-50, Rosco the Clown and a DJ will also be featured at the event.
For more information, go to clintontownshipgoodfellows.com.
Historical Commission holds two barn sales in October
FRASER — The Fraser Historical Commission will host a barn sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 6.
The sale will feature items for half price. There will also be a second sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20, featuring half-priced items. The barn is located at 18577 Masonic in Fraser.
All proceeds from the barn sale goes to benefit the Baumgartner House Museum.
County moves WIC office
WARREN — The Macomb County Health Department recently relocated its Women, Infants, and Children program from the Max Thompson Family Resource Center on Hupp Avenue, in Warren, to the Southwest Health Center located at 27690 Van Dyke Avenue. The new office, which is also in Warren, reopened on Sept. 16. According to Lauren Cody, public health services manager, the move to the Southwest Health Center provides residents improved customer experience and co-locates department services. The move places WIC services in the same building as the family planning, immunization and STI/HIV programs. WIC appointments are available five days a week.
CMPL gears up for TeenTober and Halloween
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — October is for the teens at the Clinton-Macomb Public Library as the library celebrates TeenTober, which recognizes teens services at libraries. Teenage-geared CMPL events this October include a monster guts bookmark activity on Monday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. at the South Branch; blackout poetry at the South Branch on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.; a tech take apart on Monday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Branch; and a haunted art activity on Monday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. at the North Branch.
Those interested in learning how to cook at home can visit the South Branch to learn about cooking with fall flavors. On Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m., Nicole Seals will visit to present a program on fall flavors and fall appetizers while on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m., Mary Spencer from Taste: A Cook’s Place will demonstrate how to make healthy skillet dinners.
Librarians are getting ready for the spooky season with all types of events. Families are invited to the South Branch on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. for a not-so-spooky, familyfriendly magic show with A2Magic. A Halloween party for children is being held at the South Branch on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m., where costumes are encouraged. The North Branch will host author Tobin Buhk on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 3:30 p.m. to discuss true crime tales of Michigan’s most dangerous women. For more information about events and to sign up, visit cmpl.libnet.info/events.
Advancing Macomb hosts summit at Metro Beach
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Mount Clemens-based nonprofit Advancing Macomb is hosting its secondannual Community Engagement Summit at the Welsh Activity Center at Lake St. Clair Metropark on Friday, Sept. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“We are excited to host the second annual Community Engagement Summit and invite business, community and civic leaders from across Macomb County and metro Detroit to join us on September 27,”
Phil Gilchrist, executive director of Advancing Macomb, said in a press release. “Attendees will gain valuable insights and powerful tools to help address community challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth.”
The event aims to help people better engage with their communities by offering tools and strategies to do so, while learning about why community engagement is essential for community development, improving quality of life and encouraging economic growth.
Jeanette Pierce, founder and president of the City Institute in Detroit, will serve as the keynote speaker. Pierce founded the City Institute to help cities attract and retain residents through fostering an understanding and appreciation of their local environments.
General admission tickets for the event are $50 and may be purchased at www.advancingmacomb. com.
Cruising in Chesterfield Township
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP — Going for over a decade now, the 2024 North Gratiot Cruise & Craft Fair is taking place along M-3 in Chesterfield Township on Saturday, Sept. 28.
The day begins at 8 a.m. with checkins for the Chesterfield 5K, beginning at the Value City Furniture at 50400 Gratiot Avenue. The craft fair kicks off at Value City at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m., with around 40 crafters expected to show off their wares.
Cruisers can check in at the Kohl’s at 50500 Gratiot Avenue to get registered for a shot at their share of prize cash, including the $1,000 best in show prize.
Funds raised by the cruise organization benefit local charities.
“Over the years we’ve paid out about $100,000 to various small organizations,” said Donna Weatherby, head of marketing for the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce. “We don’t give it all to one organization because we feel like there’s so much need with these little groups.”
For more information about the cruise and to sign up for its events, visit cruisegratiot.com. Weatherby can be reached at (313) 510-8340.
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WILCZYNSKI, WADE, STROLIS CLINTON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Derek Wilczynski
•Practicing Attorney in Macomb
•Member of Clinton Twp Police and Fire Civil Service Commission
•Husband, Father, and lifelong resident of Clinton
Costs of living continue to rise, and citizens are being priced out of our homes. We are running on the promise of making life in Clinton Township more affordable
Bruce Wade
•Clinton Township Police Chief, served 37 1⁄2 years
•Manager of Macomb College
Advanced Police Training
•Chippewa Valley School Board
Vito Strolis
•Local Business Owner
•35+ Year Resident of Macomb
•Fraternal Order of Police Member for 35+ Year
Michigan Supreme Court clarifies decision on wages
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The Michigan Supreme Court, following a request for clarification by the state of Michigan, provided a more definitive ruling Sept. 18 on the changing minimum wage and earned sick time in Michigan.
The court confirmed that the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act and the Earned Sick Time Act will both go into effect on Feb. 21, 2025. Changes to the wage rates will occur each year on Feb. 21 after this point. Rates for the upcoming year’s increase will be published by the state’s treasurer Nov. 1.
The minimum wage this coming February will be $10 plus the state treasurer’s adjustment for inflation, which according to information in the motion for clarification will bring it to $12.48. The additional adjustment will be made using July 31, 2024, as an endpoint. Tipped workers must make at least 48% of this.
These wages will continue to incrementally rise. In 2028, the minimum wage will be $12 plus the treasurer’s adjustment for
inflation, which the motion indicated will be $14.97. The tipped workers minimum hourly wage rate must be at least 80% of minimum wage in 2028. From this point forward, the treasurer will need to determine the wage. By 2030, the minimum wage gap between tipped and nontipped workers should be closed.
The rate of inflation was also questioned by Nessel. The court clarified that the treasurer would bring the minimum wages in the Wage Act current to July 31, 2024, through an inflationary catch-up beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
Justice Brian K. Zahra wrote the dissenting opinion Sept. 18 and adhered to his reasoning for initially dissenting to the July 31 opinion. He was joined by Justice David F. Viviano.
“A majority of this Court has no authority to rewrite unambiguous statutory provisions in pursuit of its subjective understanding of ‘equity.’ Such power is vested with the Legislature, not the judicial branch, and no case available to the Court in Michigan or any other jurisdiction in this nation has adopted or condoned the extraordinary remedial actions taken in this case by the
Court, both in the initial opinion and in the instant order,” Zahra states.
“I respectfully note that the time to relitigate the opinion’s merits has passed,” Justice Elizabeth M. Welch said in part in her concurring opinion.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel set Sept. 15 as a deadline for the Michigan Supreme Court to clarify aspects of its initial ruling on the Wage Act. This deadline came and went, but the court had the ability to provide clarity prior to the state treasurer publishing the final wage calculations on Nov. 1.
This all comes after the court made a 4-3 bombshell ruling on the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act and the Earned Sick Time Act on July 31, affecting the state’s laws governing minimum wage and sick time.
The ruling was years in the making. It’s the result of wrangling to keep the issue off the ballot in Michigan by legislators against the changes.
It started with two petitions in 2018 that received the required number of signatures to potentially appear on the ballot.
One petition would have given workers
gradual wage increases until the minimum wage became $12 in 2022. After 2022, the wage would be increased each year, as determined by the state, according to inflation. The minimum-wage gap between tipped workers and all other workers, 38% in 2018, would be eventually closed by 2024.
The other petition required employers to give employees one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked per week.
The Legislature adopted the unaltered initiatives in September 2018. This kept them off the ballot and allowed lawmakers to alter them.
They did this in two bills. One caused the minimum wage increases to not exceed $12 until 2030 and removed the increases for tipped workers. It also removed increases to the wage based on inflation. The second made changes to sick time. It exempted employers with under 50 employees from providing paid sick time. It reduced the amount of paid sick time hours for larger businesses from 72 hours to 40.
The changes, led by Republicans, were approved along party lines by margins of 6048 in the Michigan House of Representa-
See WAGES on page 15A
Sept. 11 from page 3A
the aftermath and the pulse of our nation during that time needs to be passed on to those who were not here or too young to understand the gravity of the attack on our country.”
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 Assistant Chaplain Mike Schneider delivered the invocation. Schneider touched on the deep feelings of loss on that day.
“It is right that it should not pass from our memory but today and in this prayer, along with our remembrance of profound loss, it also seems right that we give voice to our deep longing for peace,” Schneider said.
The event featured several speakers who paid tribute to those who were lost and shared personal stories.
Clinton Township Police Capt. Anthony Coppola said adherence to service, honor and remembrance is the best way to honor those who were lost that day.
“As we pause our busy lives and think back as we saw those two great pillars of modern mankind’s marvel come crashing down near New York City,” Coppola said.
See SEPT. 11 on page 23A
COME CHECK OUT THIS SPRAWLING RANCH
in the highly sought-after Shelby Twp, Cedar Lakes Subdivision. Boasting an open concept layout, this residence features stunning custom woodwork and crown molding throughout, enhancing its elegant charm. Additional highlights include, oversized private yard, hardwood flooring in the bedrooms, custom closets, Anderson windows, partially finished basement, newer AC unit, central vacuum system, and first-floor laundry. This home seamlessly combines luxury and comfort, making it the perfect place to call home.
Photo by Nick Powers
A Patriot Day observance was held on Sept. 11 at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township.
Students
Students
Wages
from page 10A
tives and 26-12 in the state Senate in a lame duck session in December 2018. They were signed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder and went into effect March 29, 2019.
In the Michigan Court of Claims, it was determined that the Amended Wage Act and the Amended Earned Sick Time Act were unconstitutional on July 19, 2022. This was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals,
but was ultimately upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court’s July 31, 2024, ruling.
After the July 31 ruling, Nessel made a motion to clarify the ruling on Aug. 21.
“Respectfully, the Michigan Department of Treasury has read this Court’s opinion in earnest and believes there exist ambiguities as to how to interpret and implement this Court’s directives in accounting for inflation for the graduated wages for the 2025 through 2028 time period,” the motion states.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Andiamo previously had a location on Hall Road for 17 years before closing in 2020.
Andiamo
from page 3A
“We had a very successful opening,” Suvaria said.
Andiamo previously had a location on Hall Road for 17 years before closing in 2020.
“We wanted to get back in that market,” said Joe Vicari, co-owner of Andiamo Pasta & Chops, in a previous interview. “This opportunity came, and we liked it.”
“Everybody’s very happy we’re here,” Suvaria said. “This Andiamo is not just a normal Andiamo, it’s more of a modern style.”
While the new restaurant will feature Andiamo favorites, it’ll have a different focus. Because Andiamo owns Joe Muer Sea-
https://forms.offce.com/r/dRj5cFa3bC
Dfood, Vicari said it will also specialize in those items.
“We’re going to expand our steaks and our chops,” Vicari said. “I live in that area, and it’s underserved for a good seafood/ steakhouse.”
Vicari said items customers can expect are veal, pork and lamb chops, ribeye steaks and bone-in filets. He said the restaurant will try to provide sides with the meals, unlike some steakhouse restaurants.
“Just things you would see at a highend steakhouse,” Vicari said. “But we’re going to keep the prices affordable.”
Andiamo has seven locations in the metro Detroit area, including the new one. The company also has a restaurant in Las Vegas.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Photo by Nick Powers
BEHIND THE WHEEL
CEnd of Watch
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
ar buffs who attend this year’s Jammin’ at the Junction will have the opportunity to pay their respects to four Roseville police officers who died in the line of duty.
The annual car show will be held from 8 a.m. to 5
LEFT: This
CHEVY CAPRICE CLASSIC PAYS TRIBUTE TO FALLEN ROSEVILLE OFFICERS
p.m. Sept. 28 on Utica Road between Gratiot Avenue and 12 Mile Road in Roseville. The event is open to the public and free to spectators.
During the day, car owners will display their soupedup muscle cars, classic models, coupes, convertibles and more. The festivities also will include live music, food vendors and awards.
One car that will catch the public’s attention is a 1977
to be on display at
at the
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28
and
Chevrolet Caprice Classic, which Roseville City Manager and Police Commissioner Ryan Monroe owns and maintains. He purchased the vehicle with his own money a few years ago to honor the dedicated Roseville patrolmen who died while serving and protecting the residents of the city.
“I plan to have the car there,” said Monroe, a former police officer. “When you work the road, that is your office.
1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic is scheduled
Jammin’
Junction
on Utica Road, between Gratiot Avenue
12 Mile Road, in Roseville. The car pays tribute to four Roseville police officers who died in the line of duty.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
See CAPRICE on page 25A
ABOVE: This display plaque lists the many local businesses and Roseville police officers that helped restore the 1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic on their own time at no cost to the city.
Photo by Maria Allard
SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING
ABOVE: Jennifer Tommajin, of Real Estate One in Troy, designed this home that showcases the amount of space and functionality a multigenerational home could use. The 6,938-square-foot home includes five bedrooms, four full baths, and one half bath.
by Brian Kurtz
LEFT: One of the benefits of extended families living together is strengthening bonds between generations. Shutterstock image
MOVING INTO THE MULTIGENERATIONAL-LIVING ERA
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
Multigenerational housing is making a comeback.
Studies by the Pew Research Center indicate that the concept has grown for the past five decades, and there is no sign of peaking.
According to the Pew Research Center, the number of people living in multigenerational homes quadrupled since 1971, reaching 59.7 million in March 2021.
Shaun Shaya, of Shaya Realty in Birmingham, works closely with the senior community, helping them sell their homes or move into assisted living arrangements. He said moving into a multigenerational household can provide plenty of emotional benefits for the older generation.
Having a senior move into a home with
Macomb County Office of Senior Services’ Handy Helpers program is here to assist seniors needing minor home maintenance.
their adult children or grandchildren means more accessibility to caregiving and a sense of social inclusivity.
But the change between living on their own and moving in with family can be difficult.
“I think they are in a place where they have a lot of stress in their life. It is stressful because it is change. They have lived in their home for a long time,” he said. “But on the other side, you know that it is easier.”
Shaya has seen first hand the positive impact living with other people has on the senior community while helping seniors move into assisted living homes.
Seniors in assisted living homes experience more social interaction and less stress of taking care of themselves. Shaya said multigenerational housing provides the same effect.
“The key is the emotional well-being of
• Replacing lightbulbs, locks and faucets
• Installing window shades, storm windows and weather stripping
• Cleaning appliances, carpets, windows and washing walls
The program provides non-continuous assistance with tasks such as: Eligibility: The person must be at least 60 years of age and a Macomb County resident
• And much more!
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Fall in Love with our...
MEDICARE
WUJEK-CALCATERRA & SONS: Round-the-Clock Compassion since 1913
With 15 licensed funeral directors, totaling 350 years of combined experience, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is uniquely qualifed to bring peace and comfort to grieving families in their time of need. And these aren’t ordinary funeral directors. Each one was specifcally sought out by the Wujek and Calcaterra families based on their individual talents and expertise.
Licensed funeral director Dominick Astorino, managing director at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, is honored to be a part of this exceptional team. “My colleagues and I are career professionals,” stated Astorino. “Most of us have been with Wujek-Calcaterra for over 20 years. We are dedicated to our career in a long-standing way.
“We also have an excellent collection of younger funeral directors. As the embalming professor at Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science, I have taught many of them. I see their potential from the frst day I meet them and watch them develop.”
Tese devoted individuals represent a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. Tey have formed enduring relationships with local families and the community. Tey are familiar with the neighborhood churches and have worked alongside their pastors. Tis allows them to connect with all types of families, putting them at
ease at a most difcult and overwhelming time.
Furthermore, their compassion isn’t strictly confned to business hours. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is one of the few funeral homes in the area where there is someone present 24/7.
According to Astorino, “We have never taken a day of since opening our original location in Detroit back in 1913. Christmas, holidays, brownouts, the worst snow storms – there has always been someone here to pick up the phone. We treat our families the way we would like to be treated. Tey never have to talk to an answering machine, and they know their loved one is never lef unattended.”
In addition to the 15 funeral directors, there is a support staf of 35 capable and compassionate individuals to complete the team at Wujek-Cacaterra & Sons. “We can serve all of our families, giving them everything they need – much like a personalized concierge.”
From preplanning to afercare services, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tey ofer two welcoming locations: 36900 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, phone (586) 588-9117; and 54880 Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township, phone (586) 217-3316. For more information, visit wujekcalcaterra.com or follow Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons on Facebook.
Sept. 11
from page 12A
“Near the same time, to have one of America’s symbols of military organization subject to attack in the Washington D.C. area. We can neither forget those who were aboard United Airlines Flight 93, who lost their lives resisting the offenses brought about them.”
Clinton Township firefighter Ronald Gnesda gave an accounting of the day and praised his fellow firefighters for their efforts at ground zero.
“Their courage and dedication were a beacon of hope in our darkest hours,” Gnesda said.
Gnesda was a sophomore in high school when the attack happened. The school was in lockdown and those inside were glued to the TV as the attack unfolded.
“I can still see the disbelief and the horror on the faces of my classmates and teachers as we watched the second plane crash into the south tower,” he said. “It was at that moment that the reality of what was happening set in. This was not an accident. This was an attack on our country.”
Gnesda said seeing that changed something in him and helped move him toward a career in public service.
“Each day on the job is a reminder of the responsibility we carry as first responders,” Gnesda said. “To be there when people need us the most. To offer hope in the face of despair. To make a difference no matter the cost.”
Photo by Nick Powers
Clinton Township Police Department Sgt. Joshua Lundin performs “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes at the Patriot Day observance on Sept. 11 at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township.
Audit
fraud,” Hijazi said. “Part of what we’re required to do is look at internal controls. If we identify an opportunity for fraud to potentially occur, we would be required to report that as what we called a control deficiency.”
Hijazi said none of these were found during the township’s audit.
Township Attorney Jack Dolan explained that when the audit is done it can be difficult to get a clear view of a township’s finances. He said that it’s important when looking at the audit to look at the unassigned fund balance versus the. available fund balance.
“You’re seeing us, so to speak, right after we got paid,” Dolan said.
He said this money has to stretch through the rest of the fiscal year. The collection period for the township begins on Dec. 1 and lasts through the end of February.
Resident Paul Schorsch spoke during public comment and voiced his concern about how much residents were taxed and not seeing a benefit. For Schorsch, this means not seeing a section of Moravian Drive being fixed by his home.
“I feel like I’m sticking up for the citizens here, they’re getting taxed to death,” Schorsch said.
Following Schorsch’s comment, Cannon urged residents to look to see where their money is going. He explained that the township has public services others don’t.
“There’s only so much we can do,” Cannon said. “We try to spread it out and do the best we can for the whole of the community.”
Gieleghem put together a breakdown of where residents’ tax dollars go. The document can be found here: www.clintontownship.com/DocumentCenter/View/ 2937/Whats-in-a-Tax-Dollar-PDF.
“The people have voted to pay for these
services,” Clinton Township Clerk Kim Meltzer added.
Treasurer’s report
Later, Gieleghem gave a quarterly treasurer’s report. He said he expected the interest revenue for the general fund to be higher for 2025 than what is projected in the audit.
He said the report was routine and laid out what his office attempts to do when investing township funds.
“Over the past seven and a half years as treasurer, we’ve been a department that’s very aggressive with our investments but, at the same time, maintaining safety and liquidity for the township,” Gieleghem said.
He laid out three goals his department sets: to not lose principal, to make sure money is there when the township needs it, and to make sure the township gains as much as possible on investment from revenue.
“I think we’ve met and exceeded that standard in most cases,” he said.
Trustee Dan Kress brought the conversation back to taxation.
“People are looking, they need property tax relief,” Kress said. “Is there any path to freeze property taxes where they’re at and reduce our investments?”
Gieleghem explained he invests the money while it’s being held by the township, knowing that its bills will come due. He said the money is utilized to meet obligations.
“If we don’t invest these dollars, we’re basically giving up the ability to meet the needs of our residents,” Gieleghem said. “It’s appropriate to do so. It’s not a profit-making enterprise. It’s a delivery of service.”
Kress pushed the issue, asking if a freeze was possible. Property tax revenue, as projected in the audit, is set to rise from $2.876 million to $3.025 million from 2024 to 2025.
Gieleghem said the township is constrained by the state of Michigan when it comes to property taxes. This tax is derived from millage rates and taxable value of the property. Taxable value isn’t able to be altered by the township, but millage rates are different.
“We have control over those millage rates,” he said. “When our community grows, we roll the rate back.”
Kress asked if there’s a “rainy day” fund. Gieleghem responded that there is and that it’s in the audit report under general fund balance.
“And that is within an appropriate range,” Gieleghem said.
The board voted unanimously to receive and file both reports. Trustees Tammy Patton and Mike Keys were absent from the meeting.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
GETTING IT RIGHT
C & G Newspapers strives for accuracy and fairness to its readers. If you think we got it wrong, please let us know. Call Gregg Demers at (586) 498-1042, email gdemers@candgnews. com or write us at 13650 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089.
Screenshot taken from Clinton Township Board of Trustees meeting broadcast
Clinton Township Trustee Dan Kress, right, questions Treasurer Paul Gieleghem about property taxes at the Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 9.
Caprice
It’s a nice thing for the department and community to have the police vehicle at Jammin’ at the Junction. People like it.”
When shopping around for a commemorative car, Monroe “looked at all kinds of vehicles.” While the ’77 model was never a police car, Monroe felt the spacious and comfortable sedan was the best representation for the officers who lost their lives.
The honored patrolmen are: Albert O. DeSmet, Robert Alfred Young, William Oliver and Lawrence Cooney. All four men are remembered on the Officer Down Memorial Page website at odmp.org. The website tells brief stories of the law enforcement officers and the circumstances in which they died.
DeSmet was killed when his patrol car was struck during a high-speed pursuit Nov. 5, 1987. DeSmet, 44, was survived by his wife, son and two daughters.
According to the website, Clinton Township police were pursuing a vehicle traveling into Roseville after the driver had rammed and hit two vehicles. DeSmet and his partner, James Edwards, activated their emergency lights and pulled onto the southbound lanes of Gratiot Avenue when the vehicle struck them from behind.
DeSmet’s patrol car slid into the median and he was killed while Edwards was reportedly injured. The driver continued on until he crashed at an intersection. As time went on, the driver of the vehicle was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to a state hospital for four years and released.
Young’s “End of Watch” occurred Feb. 18, 1978, when he suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after pursuing a suspect on foot. The 51-year-old officer was assisting an ambulance crew that was having trouble restraining a man. The suspect then broke free and ran from the scene.
Young chased after him, tackled and handcuffed him and returned him to the ambulance. After a few minutes, the patrolman collapsed. The married father of three was transported to a local hospital where he died.
The Officer Down Memorial Page states that Oliver and Cooney — on duty together June 15, 1937 — died by gunfire after they apprehended a youth who was under arrest for burglarizing a local gas station.
The suspect and a second juvenile were handcuffed and being placed into a patrol car when one of them grabbed Oliver’s handgun and shot him. When Cooney heard the gunshots, he rushed to the scene and was shot at by the suspects.
“He began to chase the suspects and as he rounded the corner he was shot several times,” the website states. “Although wounded, he continued to fire at the suspects.”
Cooney drove himself to the police station and collapsed. A milkman passing by took him to a local hospital, but he did not survive his injuries, leaving behind his wife and two sons. Oliver succumbed to his wounds about one month later on July 12. He was survived by his wife and four children.
The 19-year-old suspect in the shootout was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page website, he was paroled Jan. 25, 1963.
“I wanted to acknowledge those officers and draw attention to the police and city,” Monroe said. “I think it’s so important to remember their sacrifices.”
Many local organizations have offered their time to help restore the Chevy without any cost to the city of Roseville or the Police Department, as no city funds were used for the project.
“The Roseville Auto Shop was generous to give it a good tune-up and make it road ready,” Monroe said. “Lafata Auto Body helped with some of the body work.”
Other contributors listed on a display plaque include Automotive Color Supply Inc., in Roseville; Van’s Towing & Transport in Roseville; US Farathane, of Sterling Heights; ABS Storage Products in Detroit; Majik Graphics in Clinton Township; and Roseville officers Brian Dobrzycki, David Lukasavage, Matthew Lesperance and his dad, Dennis Lesperance. The police officers volunteered on their own time.
The Caprice Classic is stored in a city building and taken out on occasion for events, including parades.
“It’s a pet project of mine,” Monroe said. “It’s more for the police and the city of Roseville.”
For more information on Jammin’ at the Junction or to register your car, visit www. roseville-mi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=58.
NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS
Birthday — Oliver John Mulawa celebrated his first birthday July 2. Parents are Michael and Ashley Mulawa, of Sterling Heights, and big brother is Brayden. Grandparents are Rick and Chris Evans, of Warren; Cathy Carlone, of St. Clair Shores; and John Methric, of Clinton Township.
Seniors
from page 18A
the seniors that choose to live in multigenerational housing,” he said. “As you get older, it becomes very isolating, and socializing becomes more of a challenge.”
Jennifer Toomajian, of Real Estate One in Troy, said she sees a lot of multigenerational living situations in Troy and the surrounding areas of metro Detroit.
“Multigenerational homes are huge in areas that have diverse populations,” she said. “I think our population is different today, so you have people that live in the areas that are culturally used to taking care of their grandparents or their parents.”
To accommodate the current wants or needs for multigenerational homes, Toomajian said that the housing market is beginning to build homes specifically for multigenerational housing.
“Developers have been adjusting new construction floor plans to accommodate multigenerational families,” she said via email. “Adding first-floor full bathrooms
SMART
from page 6A
problematic stops. She said the study will look at 8,000 stops and check to see if they make sense where they’re located. If they don’t, they’ll be removed. She estimated the project will take three to five years and the work will be done hand in hand with municipalities.
Township Treasurer Paul Gieleghem
with showers and first-floor flex rooms that have a multi-purpose: guest room, bedroom, playroom, gym, or an office.”
Creating homes that are designed for the purpose of multigenerational family living situations opens up the doors for saving money in other aspects of life, according to Toomajian.
“What ends up happening is today’s home prices are so high that both parents have to work,” she said. “Then if both parents are working, who is home with the kids? Then grandma moves in to help take care of the kids while the parents are working.”
Shaya said that the desire for a single family home and land will never diminish, but multigenerational living is the most attainable option as he believes that housing affordability will not change anytime soon.
“Economics will sort of dictate that a different model will be more efficient and more welcome for a lot of people,” he said. “I think that multigenerational housing is going to be an integral part of that model to help with the housing availability issue that many people face.”
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
encouraged residents to visit SMART’s website and attend future meetings to “mold” any future plans for the service.
“The focus of this is to get public input,” Gieleghem said.
The board unanimously approved receiving and filing the presentation.
More information about future meetings and contact information can be found at smarter-mobility.org.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Oliver John Mulawa
Industrial
from page 1A
Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc., the city’s engineering firm, would be carrying out the project. AEW Vice President and Director of Engineering Michael Vigneron recommended that the city not go with a resurfacing or a rehabilitation of the roads because of the heavy truck traffic they see.
“We don’t anticipate long-term success with that type of treatment,” Vigneron said.
Councilwoman Patrice Schornak wanted to make sure any fix made to the industrial park roads was lasting.
“I just really don’t want to deal with any more road issues once we get things fixed,” Schornak said.
“I’d rather get it right the first time,” Fraser Mayor Michael Lesich said.
Mayor Pro Tem Dana Sutherland asked if the water mains and sewers would need replacing as well.
Vigneron said the water mains don’t need replacing now, but the storm sewers would need replacing. However, there are some aging water mains that could need addressing in the future. Replacing sanitary sewers would fall under a separate ongoing program from the city.
“The oldest does date to 1966 and is a material we would recommend replacing,” Vigneron said.
Vigneron estimated it would take two years for the project to be completed.
Recently, District 11 state Sen. Veronica Klinefelt was able to secure $4 million in funding to repair roads in the Fraser Indus-
trial Park. Fraser City Manager Elaine Leven previously said the engineering estimate for the project would be over $16 million.
Federal funding was requested for the project, but the city has not heard back about that inquiry.
Lesich confirmed at the meeting that additional funding would be needed outside of the state and city sources.
This isn’t the first time Fraser has attempted to address the industrial park’s roads. Last year, the funding was proposed through a special assessment district. According to previous reporting in the Chronicle, business owners went to a June 8 meeting to speak out against taxing residents to fund the project. After a hearing of the public at the City Council meeting on Aug. 10, 2023, the tax funding for the project fell by the wayside.
Following the meeting, Lesich said a special assessment district would most likely be used to repay a bond.
“I’m very happy to see things move forward and we now have nearly half the project funded, and we’d like to figure out how to get all the way there as soon as possible,” he said.
Jeff Siciliano, representing the businesses in the industrial park, addressed the long process of getting the road fixed and said he appreciated the city’s efforts.
“We’ve worked together. This is what we’re supposed to do,” Siciliano said. “Government is supposed to work with the citizens.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Photo by Nick Powers
Red Run
EGLE (the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) to make sure we meet or exceed these standards.”
Who’s polluting?
Macomb County officials, including Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller, have referred to combined sewer overflows from the basin into the Red Run as being partially treated. Nash said this is false.
“All the water that leaves this facility is fully treated,” Nash said.
Nash went on to say that the water goes through a screening process and is treated with bleach. He said the water from the basin is not polluted and has been examined in third-party scientific studies. According to Nash, the water is safe enough to swim in but not to drink.
In a video before the meeting, Miller questioned the status of the water.
“How can you say with a straight face that dumping billions of gallons of partiallytreated and, in some cases, untreated sewer water on your neighbor is OK?” Miller said. “If it’s OK, why doesn’t Oakland County just take care of it themselves? Why dump it on us, on their neighbor?”
She said there was a recent discharge where the E. coli count was 80,000.
“Remember, they close beaches when the E. coli count is 300,” Miller said.
Nash lays the blame at Macomb County’s feet, saying the city of Warren’s water recovery facility has, over the course of 18 years, spilled 1.4 billion gallons of raw sewage into the Red Run.
In a 2020 video, Miller points out sanitary wipes strewn around the Red Run, pointing to this as evidence of Oakland County dumping partially-treated combined sewer overflows.
Nash said this was a spill from the Dequindre Interceptor, which is a sewer interceptor that goes down the road of the same name. He said this interceptor is separate from the basin and the water never goes through it.
“This was out at the end, beyond our facility,” Nash said.
When there is an overflow
Nash said the basin sends sanitary sewage into the Red Run to keep sewer water from getting into the basements of homes in the area.
“If we’re dumping sewage in their basements, we’re not protecting the health and safety of the citizens,” Nash said.
Nash said a discharge violation in May,
which is being investigated by EGLE, happened because of a door that is part of the chlorine treatment process. He said this was a result of human error and that measures were taken to make sure it never happens again.
“The door that did that froze up and didn’t work. That is why we had that violation,” Nash said. “Before we even got a response by EGLE when we reported it, we fixed the problem. They recognized there was a violation but, since it was fixed before they really did anything about it, this is the kind of thing you don’t even get an issue with. They just recognized that you had a problem.”
He claims the output from the basin is only 1% of the total flow into Lake St. Clair.
“Many federal, state and regional entities have shown there is no link between our facility and beach closings or the muck on Lake St. Clair,” Nash said.
He attributed the problems to runoff from animal waste, fertilizer and invasive species.
Nash said Macomb County drains go directly into the Red Run and impact the water quality. He cautioned against separating storm water and wastewater systems.
“Let me be clear: Separating our systems would cost our residents many billions of dollars, years of infrastructure and economic disruption and offer no tangible benefits to water quality in Lake St. Clair or anywhere in Macomb County,” Nash said.
Passed due permit
In a press release before the press conference, Miller’s office said the basin was operating under an expired permit.
Nash said no enforcement action has been taken against the basin in its history, adding that when there is a problem it gets cleared up “immediately.”
“We submitted all required documentation to EGLE months in advance of the expiration renewal date for our permit,” Nash said. “EGLE acknowledged the receipt of those submissions and current regulation by EGLE spells out that such facilities as ours continue their operations under an old permit while a new one is being processed. This is routine and should not be misconstrued as a sign of noncompliance with clean water standards.”
Nash confirmed that the permit was not in limbo because of any corrective actions that need to be taken by the basin.
Politics?
The issue has been picking up steam in Macomb County. Municipalities including Sterling Heights, Warren, Center Line, Clinton Township, Harrison Township and Mount Clemens have passed resolutions criticizing Oakland County for its combined sew-
Sept. 11 from page 23A
Col. David Spehar, deputy commander of the 127th Wing, shared his personal story about what it was like at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base on Sept. 11. Spehar said he hadn’t had enough experience to go out on missions but was on the base that day. There was a “skeleton crew” at the base at Selfridge, according to Spehar. He heard about the attack on the radio and rushed over. He said the line of National Guardsmen that came to the base that day to lend a hand was so great that some had to be turned away.
“By the time I got there, those people that were left had accelerated and got everything they could get flying ready to go,” Spehar said. “All the munitions were sitting out there on a line.”
Thinking back, Spehar remembers how angry he was about the attack being on American soil. He explained how he was ready to defend his country if there were further attacks and a full-scale invasion.
“I remember going home every night
thinking, ‘I can’t believe it’s here, it’s in our backyard,’” Spehar said. “We can look back now and say, ‘Well, we know it was over after that.’ We didn’t know that at the time. There were coordinated strikes. It was wellplanned and thought (out).”
He called on those in attendance to remember those who were lost on that day and those who served their country during and after the attack.
“Remember what it feels like to be bound together as Americans here over something that was supposed to be the darkest day in our history, turned into something that we can all bind on and be American brothers and sisters,” Spehar said.
The Spectrum Female Barbershop Quartet did renditions of “God Bless America” and the “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Clinton Township Police Department Sgt. Joshua Lundin performed “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes. The Police Department color guard presented and retired the colors. The ceremony was capped off by a rifle volley and taps by the VVA Chapter 154 Honor Guard.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Red Run
er overflows. The Macomb County Board of Commissioners has also passed a resolution.
Nash traces the accusations back to politics.
“This accusation is an example of a classic political scapegoating tactic, shifting attention away from the real issues at hand: Macomb County’s own costly infrastructure challenges,” Nash said. “For over a decade, Macomb County has failed to address recommendations from EGLE designed to protect the residents and Lake St. Clair.”
Nash touted off-site storage as the largest in the country and green solutions like its rain barrel program to limit combined sewer overflows. Macomb County recently introduced a similar pilot program in Roseville.
At the event, Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair Board David Woodward provided a full-throated defense of the county’s water management.
“When Macomb County points fingers at Oakland County, and they’ve been doing it for a while, you can bat it away as a distraction of covering up for the fact they’re not making anywhere near the level of investments we are here in Oakland County,” Woodward said.
However, recent accusations by the county have “crossed the line” for Woodward.
“The staff of the Public Works Commissioner in Macomb County knows it’s wrong, the state of Michigan knows it’s wrong and enough is enough,” Woodward said.
Woodward challenged Macomb County.
“It’s time to step up, do your part and meet us halfway,” Woodward said.
Following the press conference, Nash said the Red Run Intercounty Drain Drainage Board would be one avenue through which to hash out some of these details. One of the meetings, which happen monthly, was before the press conference. Members of the board can include “surrounding County Public Works Commissioners wherein the drain traverses,” according to the county’s website. Miller did not bring up these concerns at the meeting.
“She has never brought this up to the board that controls this system,” Nash said. “That seems odd to me.”
He said the county collaborates regionally on many different things. He said this, in the case of Macomb County, is an exception.
“They’ve never come to us with these complaints directly,” Nash said. “If she really wants to solve it, we should solve it together.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
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Armed robbery reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 5:03 a.m. on Aug. 30, a report was made about an armed robbery that occurred in the 25000 block of Jefferson Avenue.
The night shift store clerk, a 34-year-old woman, stated she was alone in the building when a man came up to the register and told her to give him the money in the cash register. The woman misunderstood what he said and asked him again. The suspect repeated what he said and reportedly lifted up his shirt revealing a black handgun in his waistband. The clerk then took around $340 out of the cash register and gave it to the man. He stuffed the cash in his pockets and then left in an unknown direction.
The clerk called her manager before she called the police, which she said was a couple minute delay. The clerk stated the man came in before wanting to buy cigarettes earlier in the morning, but then changed his mind. Video surveillance shows similar events to what was described.
A DNA swab was done on the door and the counter.
Larceny from lockers reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 1:54 p.m. on Aug. 8, a report was made about a larceny that occurred at a business in the 20000 block of Eight Mile Road.
The manager, a 23-year-old woman, stated that several patrons had told her a person had stolen money from their lockers. Four men reportedly had money taken from their locker ranging in value from $60 to $200 stolen from each locker. One man said the suspect left him around $15. All victims had locks on their lockers and reported that only their lock and cash were missing. The manager stated that the suspect has hit multiple other locations in the area including Ann Arbor and more.
The suspect was taken into custody by the Plymouth Police Department. He has a history of crimes, is a wanted person in Illinois and is a listed sex offender in Wisconsin. There were no convictions in Michigan on his record. A warrant was requested through the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office after investigators reviewed the evidence and the request was authorized on four counts of larceny.
Larceny reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At around 11:42 a.m. on Sept. 1, a report was made about a larceny that occurred in the 23000 block of Euclid Street.
The victim, a 34-year-old woman, parked her vehicle in her driveway at around 7 p.m. Aug. 31. She went to bed at around 1:30 a.m. and was awakened at around 3:30 a.m. by fraud notifications from her finan-
SEPT. 25
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
the car overnight, allowing the vehicle to be unlocked and entered.
When she checked her car, her purse was under the rear tire and her credit cards and her boyfriend’s credit cards were missing. She went to CVS, where three transactions were recorded, and they told her she must file a police report for them to turn over the surveillance footage to law enforcement.
Attempted vehicle theft reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 9:19 p.m. on Sept. 3, a report was made about an attempted vehicle theft that occurred in the 22000 block of Visnaw Street.
The neighbor and witness, a 32-year-old man, stated he heard a noise and looked outside his window. When he looked, he said he saw a man looking into his neighbor’s car. The witness yelled, “Hey, what are you doing?” The witness then observed a gray vehicle slowly pull up to the victim’s driveway.
The suspect slowly walked to the vehicle and got in before speeding off on westbound Visnaw. The victim stated his vehicle had been stolen before and anti-theft devices were installed when it was recovered. Both men said their neighbor might have security cameras facing the driveway.
Retail fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 2:46 p.m. on Sept. 3, a report was made about a case of retail fraud that occurred in the 23000 block of Little Mack Avenue.
The president of the business, a 60-year-old woman, stated the suspect pulled into the rear of the store and had employees assist him in loading sod into his vehicle. When the sod was loaded, the suspect left the store, but he never came in to pay.
The woman stated she lets customers load sod before paying because they don’t know how much they will need. After some digging by employees, they managed to find the business that was on the side of the vehicle. The woman called the business with no answer.
The amount of sod stolen was worth $276.92.
Shoplifter attempts theft of kids items
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police learned Aug. 25 about a reported shoplifting incident at Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave. According to store staff, a suspect paid for some but not all merchandise at the self-scan checkout.
Upon then allegedly trying to leave with unpaid items, the suspect was caught by staff. The stolen items included kids clothing, kids shoes, a bag and milk bottles, police said. Police cited the suspect for third-degree retail fraud.
OCT. 5
Spaghetti dinner: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (or until gone), also Oct. 23, Lt. Wood-Cpl. Reid VFW Post 6691, 17075 Anita Ave. in Fraser, (586) 294-1450
SEPT. 27
Garth Tribute LIVE!: Homage to country music star Garth Brooks, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com
SEPT. 28
World of Possibilities: Special Needs Expo: Free event featuring 60-plus vendors and resource tables, hot dog lunch, cider and doughnuts, touch a truck, exotic zoo and petting farm, magician, and goodie bag and book giveaways, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Macomb Intermediate School District, 44001 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, registration required, (586) 228-3458, lmiskelly@misd.net, misd.net/sehome/ expo
OCT. 4
Blood, Sweat & Tears: Hear latest incarnation of famed jazz-rock ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com
OCT. 5
It’s in the Cards: Tarot for Today and Beyond: Presented by professional psychic reader V. of Boston Tea Room, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Fraser Public Library, 15260 15 Mile Road, fraserpubliclibrary.org, (586) 293-2055
OCT. 4-6
Lakeview High School - Class of 1969: 55-year reunion includes relaxed gathering at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4 (Total Sports, 40501 Production Drive in Harrison Township), afternoon golf outing and casual reception at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 (Fern Hill Golf Club, 17600 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township), and farewell brunch at 10 a.m. Oct. 6 (Grosse Pointe Historical Society, 375 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe Farms), contact Bill Griffith about golf at billgriff9@gmail.com, all others RSVP to Patti Giorlando Timmins at pattihope0311@att.net
swimming pool argument
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to a hotel in the 36000 block of Van Dyke Avenue Aug. 24 upon hearing that some patrons had been arguing with a worker.
According to police, guests from two rooms had reportedly been celebrating a birthday party at the swimming pool, and a worker reportedly told them that too many people were in that area. This reportedly made several patrons mad, and they allegedly yelled and “got into her face,” according to staff. Police said a hotel manager wanted the patrons to leave, so police passed on the message, and they followed the order. Police took no further action.
Vehicle stolen from outside SHAP
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, 38111 Van Dyke Ave., the night of Aug. 23 upon hearing that a silver Honda Sonata had been stolen there sometime between 2 and 10 p.m. Police said the vehicle’s owner still had the vehicle’s keys.
Moped wheelies reported
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police heard a complaint the evening of Aug. 23 about two mopeds doing wheelies along a trail in the area of Dodge Park, near Utica Road. Police did not say in the report what sort of action they took in response.
Teen bothers waitress at restaurant
STERLING HEIGHTS — A male teen was allegedly bothering a waitress Aug. 23 at a restaurant near 15 Mile and Schoenherr roads. Police said the suspect had left the restaurant by the time they got there, and they told staff to call again if he returns.
Vehicle taken
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A white 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen from the 15500 block of Mack Avenue at 7:18 a.m. Sept. 7. A surveillance
Worker arrested for embezzlement GROSSE
Cemetery Walk: Fundraiser for Crocker House Museum & Gardens, features reenactors sharing stories of deceased, also cider and doughnuts, raffle baskets and museum gift shop items, guided tours start every 20 minutes from noon-4 p.m., Clinton Grove Cemetery, 21189 Cass Ave. in Clinton Township, crockerhousemuseum.org/ cemetery-walk, (586) 465-2488
OCT. 6
Macomb Symphony Orchestra: Concert about folklore and celebratory tales, 3 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com
OCT. 9
Holiday Appetizers: Flavors of Fall: Learn to cook for the season, 6:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, registration required, (586) 2265073, cmpl.libnet.info/events
SCAMS presentation: Stopping Crimes Against Michigan Seniors, led by Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido, 10 a.m.-noon, Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, register at www.lorenzo culturalcenter.com/events
‘No Child Without A Christmas’ pasta dinner fundraiser: Presented by Clinton Township Goodfellows, money from tickets to help buy toys for around 400 kids from low-income families, event includes pasta with salad, rolls and soft drinks, also 50-50, basket raffles, Rosco the Clown and DJ, 3-8 p.m., Mirage Banquet & Event Center, 16980 18 Mile Road in Clinton Township, clintontownshipgoodfellows.com
OCT. 10
Halloween party: Wear costumes and enjoy treats and activities, 6:30 p.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, registration opens Sept. 26, (586) 226-5073, cmpl.libnet.info/events
ONGOING
Medicare open enrollment assistance: Hosted by Macomb County Office of Senior Services, meet with trained counselor by appoint-
With the same link, click and sign in using your Google or Facebook information, or easily create a
account.
Input the details, upload a photo and select “Review Changes,” then “Submit and Finish.”
Events should appear online within 2 hours, and will appear in print as space permits. There’s no limit as to how many you can submit.
Check fraud under investigation
Stolen vehicle recovered
Driver
ment, 9 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays Oct. 15-Dec. 7, Verkuilen Building, 21885 Dunham Road, Suite 6, in Clinton Township, (586) 469-5228
• Hosted by Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and AgeWays, meet with trained counselor by appointment, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15 and 18, Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, (800) 803-7174
Book clubs: Find meetups about historic American figures (Presidential Book Club), solving cases (Mysteries & Munchies), quiet reading for adults and kids (Silent Book Club and Silent Book Club Jr), and recipes and sharing dishes (Cookbook Club), Fraser Public Library, 15260 15 Mile Road, (586) 293-2055, fraserpubliclibrary.org
Minecraft Club: Ages 10-18 can play virtually, 5-8 p.m. every Friday during fall, register at fraserpubliclibrary.org
